New High Grade Model kits for August-October

By Loran

It’s that time again! Yep, I’m going to be looking at some of the upcoming Gunpla releases for the coming months, namely the stuff I’m interested in. That means one thing: It’s mostly gonna be HGUC stuff. If you prefer Master Grades, well, I struggle to wonder why you even read my reviews since I’ve only done… what, one or two of them? Yeah, they’re nicer kits, but they don’t really interest me… though I do plan on getting myself all five of the Gundams from Wing (Version Katoki, of course) plus Epyon once they’re all out. That’ll be a fun project.

With the release of the HGUC GM III and GM Cannon II earlier this summer, I’m actually really surprised Bandai is giving us another GM so quickly, and it’s none other than the GM II, one of the suits I thought we’d never see. So far the only pictures we’ve seen are uncolored resin hardcopies, so it’s difficult to tell if they’ll be giving us the Federation or AEUG colors first. Personally, I’d prefer the AEUG one myself. This leaves us with only two anime-original GMs that need HGUCs right now: The GM Sniper II and the GM Ground Type. Get on it, Bandai! The GM II launches in October.

Here’s one I’m excited for—the Jesta from Gundam Unicorn. I can’t quite explain it but I LOVE this design. It’s basically the sexy baby of the ReZel and the Jegan. It has this feel that reminds me of one of the GINN variants form SEED that punches for its melee weapon in the game. When I look at this suit I don’t see it shooting stuff or using its sword, I just see it running around punching other suits. And that’s awesome. The Jesta will start punching stuff in September.

Earlier this year we got our first ever plastic kit of the Nobel Gundam, and amazingly we’re getting the Berserker Mode, which I think we only saw once or twice in the series? Man, it’s been years since I’ve seen G-Gundam. I’m surprised we’re getting this as a general release, since if I remember correctly, all the original Hyper Mode G-Gundam kits were limited editions. I don’t see her being a big seller. She’ll be coming out in September as well.

But this month we have a pair of rather awesome kits coming out, both of which I got to see in-person at Otakon…

First, the Shining Gundam. I’m actually not too big of a fan of this design (I’m just hoping for the inevitable Rising Gundam retool), but damn they didn’t skimp on the accessories. Not only does he have translucent green Shining Fingers, but he comes with the Shining Finger Sword! I actually can’t think of any figures or kits that have that. Huge props to Bandai for that.

But more importantly, Master Gundam is getting a High Grade… and so is Master Asia’s horse, Fuunsaiki! I can’t believe the horse is finally getting a kit. I never thought we’d see one past the old action figure. It can’t transform, but who cares? It’s awesome! This whole spiel is leaps and bounds ahead of the crappy old no-grade, and chances are, it’ll surpass the Master Grade, too.

2011 has been a great year for High Grades, and I hope this trend continues. We’ve gotten some great stuff I’m almost afraid Bandai’s showed us all the goods too soon and we’ll have nothing but crap left to get. But hey, you want this awesome stuff, keep checking for it at FPNYC~!